Evaluation of spading x lime incorporation in low pH, non-wetting sand

2012
CC BY 4.0

Research organisaton
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) Stephen Davies (DAFWA)
Nadine Hollamby (Liebe Group)
Year(s) 2012
Contributor Liebe Group
Trial location(s) East Marchagee, WA
Evaluation of spading x lime incorporation in low pH, non-wetting sand locations
Aims

To examine whether deep cultivation by spading can be used to manage water repellence and subsoil acidity on sandplain soil.

Key messages
  • Spading has mixed the non-wetting layer of soil in this paddock through the soil profile, resulting in an increase in crop yield in two out of past three years.
  • Using the spader to mix lime and dolomite into the subsoil has improved the pH of the soil and increased yield. 
  • Wind erosion is a big risk with spading and caused a yield decrease in 2010, the year the spading occurred. 
  • Spading also reduces compaction at a similar level to deep ripping by physically breaking down any compacted layers in the top 30cm.
  • Soil type is a large factor in the success of a spading operation; careful consideration must be given to this prior to commencing any spading program. 

 

Lead research organisation N/A
Host research organisation N/A
Trial funding source GRDC CSA00016,DAW00204,LIE00006
Related program N/A
Acknowledgments

Stephen Davies involvement is supported by the ‘Delivering Agronomic Strategies for Water Repellent Soils’ DAW00204 and ‘Putting PA on the ground in WA’ CSA00016 GRDC projects. Thanks to Clint, Ian Hunt and Simon Meyer for conducting the trial and GRDC for funding the work through LIE00006 ‘Improved stubble and soil management practices for sustainable farming systems in the Liebe area’.


Other trial partners Not specified
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop type Cereal (Grain): Wheat
Treatment type(s)
  • Soil Improvement: Type
Trial type Demonstration
Trial design Unreplicated

East Marchagee 2012

Sow rate or Target density 70
Sow date 20 June 2012
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size 1000m x 22.5m
Plot replication 1
Paddock history 2009 wheat, 2010 lupins, 2011 wheat
Fertiliser

20/6/12: 80 kg/ha K-Till extra, 60 L/ha Flexi-N banded,

26/7/12: 30 L/ha Flexi-N

Herbicide

14/6/12: 2 L/ha Glyphosate 450

20/6/12: 1 L/ha Sprayseed, 2 L/ha Treflan, 25 g/ha Monza

22/7/12: 750 mL/ha Jaguar, 500 mL/ha MCPA LVE, 5 g/ha Metsulfuron,

25/10/12: 2 L/ha Glyphosate

Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information

Download results

Trial results Table 1

@T1: 2011
# Treatment 1
Grain yield (t/ha) Grain yield (t/ha)
1 Control (No tillage) 0.8 1.3
1 Deep Rip 1 1.4
2 Spade 1 1.5
2 Spade+ Lime (1 t/ha)+ Dolomite (1 t/ha) 1.2 1.7
3
3
4
4

Grain yield t/ha


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Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Site Depth Type pH EC P K N A OC CAT
East Marchagee, WA 0 - 10cm Sand 5.70 0.02
East Marchagee, WA 10 - 30cm Sand 4.30
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
East Marchagee, WA Sand
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
East Marchagee, WA Sodosol
Soil Moisture Source: BOM/ANU
Average amount of water stored in the soil profile during the year, estimated by the OzWALD model-data fusion system.
Year East Marchagee WA
2012 164.1mm
2011 169.5mm
2010 139.2mm
2009 155.2mm
2008 177.7mm
2007 133.8mm
2006 131.3mm
2005 154.2mm
2004 155.8mm
2003 150.6mm
2002 137.0mm
2001 135.7mm
2000 160.3mm
National soil grid Source: CSIRO/TERN
NOTE: National Soil Grid data is aggregated information for background information on the wider area
Actual soil values can vary significantly in a small area and the trial soil tests are the most relevant data where available

Soil properties

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Climate

East Marchagee WA 2012


Observed climate information

Rainfall trial gsr (mm) 175mm

Derived climate information

East Marchagee WA

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Some data on this site is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology

SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol 16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.

Trial report and links

2012 trial report